Vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and associated methods

ABSTRACT

A vehicle window control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus may include at least one vehicle device associated with operating a window of the vehicle, a window operation transmitter, and a controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with operating the window of the vehicle. The vehicle window controller may be responsive to signals from the window operation transmitter. A window piggyback controller may operate the windows based on signals on the data communications bus, such as door lock or door unlock signals.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/316,342 filed on Dec. 11, 2002 which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/583,333filed on May 31, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,829, which in turn is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/382,245filed on Aug. 25, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,147, which in turn, is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/023,838 filed onFeb. 13, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,460, which in turn, is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/701,356filed on Aug. 22, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,551, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to the field of vehicle control systems and,more particularly, to a remote window control system and related methodsfor vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, preventtheft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to protectvehicle owners and occupants. A typical automobile security system, forexample, includes a central processor or controller connected to aplurality of vehicle sensors. The sensors, for example, may detectopening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows, and also movement of thevehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and microwave motiondetectors, vibration sensors, sound discriminators, differentialpressure sensors, and switches may be used as sensors. In addition,radar sensors may be used to monitor the area proximate the vehicle.

The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in theevent of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication maytypically be a flashing of the lights and/or the sounding of the vehiclehorn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel supply and/or ignitionpower may be selectively disabled based upon an alarm condition.

A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with thecontroller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitterstypically carried by the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori.The remote transmitter may be used to arm and disarm the vehiclesecurity system or provide other remote control features from apredetermined range away from the vehicle. U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 toLambropoulous et al. is also related to remote control of a vehiclefunction, and discloses a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle. Thekeyless entry system permits the user to remotely open the vehicle doorsor open the vehicle trunk using a small handheld transmitter.

Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to bedirectly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as thevehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle, for example. In otherwords, a conventional vehicle security system is hardwired to variousvehicle components, typically by splicing into vehicle wiring harnessesor via interposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number of electricaldevices in a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity ofwiring harnesses has also increased. For example, the steering wheel mayinclude horn switches, an airbag, turn-signal and headlight switches,wiper controls, cruise control switches, ignition wiring, an emergencyflasher switch, and/or radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle,for example, may include window controls, locks, outside mirrorswitches, and/or door-panel light switches.

In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehiclemanufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring withinvehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs,and reduce complications, which may arise when troubleshooting theelectrical system. For example, some manufacturers have adoptedmultiplexing schemes to reduce cables to three or four wires and tosimplify the exchange of data among the various onboard electronicsystems as disclosed, for example, in, “The Thick and Thin of CarCabling”, by Thompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp.42–45.

Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective andreliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for example,may require the development of low or error-free communications in whatcan be harsh vehicle environments. With multiplexing technology, thevarious electronic modules or devices may be linked by a single signalwire in a data communications bus also containing a power wire, and oneor more ground wires. Digital messages are communicated to all modulesover the data communications bus. Each message may have one or moreaddresses associated with it so that the devices can recognize whichmessages to ignore and which messages to respond to or read.

The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks forvehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler isdescribed as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the enginecontroller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the theftalarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different vehicles mayinclude a transmission controller, a trip computer, an instrumentcluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an active suspensioncontroller, and a body module or body controller for devices in thepassenger compartment.

A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplexcommunications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al. discloses amultiplex bus system including a master control unit and a plurality ofreceiver-transmitter units connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.4,055,772 to Leung discloses a power bus in a vehicle controlled by alow current digitally coded communications system. Other referencesdisclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems include, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.

Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networksincluding, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers, “SurfaceVehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface”, SAEJ1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the, “Surface VehicleInformation Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus MultiplexingNetwork for Class ‘A’ Applications”, SAE J2058, July 1990. Many othernetworks are also being implemented or proposed for communicationsbetween vehicle devices and nodes or controllers.

In addition, to vehicle security and remote keyless entry functions,another type of desirable vehicle remote control function is remotelystarting the vehicle engine when the owner is away from the vehicle.Such remote starting can be used in cold climates to warm the engineand/or run the passenger compartment heater, to thereby prevent freezingor for the user's comfort. Conversely, remote engine starting can enablethe air conditioning to run to cool the vehicle's interior before thevehicle user enters the vehicle.

Unfortunately, conventional vehicle control systems, such as aftermarketremote engine starting systems, are for hardwired connection to vehicledevices and are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a datacommunications bus. Moreover, remote starting of the engine presentsadditional difficulties compared to some other vehicle controlapplications. This is so because there may exist a requirement thatcertain vehicle conditions correct prior to starting the engine. It mayalso be necessary for a remote starter system to bypass an immobilizerdevice that is part of the security system of some vehicles. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,578 to Drew entitled, “Vehicle Engine StartControl Apparatus Including Interface Device Facilitating Installationand Related Methods”, discloses a remote start system which is hardwireconnected via mating plugs for more conveniently bypassing animmobilizer circuit based upon a coded resistance of the ignition key.

A remote starter system may also desirably be able to interface with oneor more vehicle controllers, such as for engine management andtransmission control, for example. In addition, a remote starter system,even if it were adapted for a communications bus and devices for oneparticular model, model year, and manufacturer, may not be compatiblewith any other models, model years, or manufacturers.

Another type of desirable vehicle remote control function is remotelyoperating at least one window of the vehicle when the owner is away fromthe vehicle. Such remote operation can be used in warm climates to allowheat to escape from the passenger compartment. Unfortunately,conventional vehicle window control systems are for hardwired connectionto the vehicle devices and, accordingly, suffer from the samedisadvantages as conventional remote engine starting systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a vehicle window control system and relatedmethod for a vehicle comprising a data communications bus and at leastone vehicle device connected to the data communications bus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a vehiclewindow control system and associated method wherein the system isadapted to operate with different vehicles.

These and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a vehicle window control systemincluding at least one vehicle device associated with operating a windowof the vehicle, a window operation transmitter, and a controllerconnected to the data communications bus for communicating with the atleast one vehicle device associated with operating at least one windowof the vehicle. The controller is responsive to signals from the windowoperation transmitter.

The vehicle device may comprise a body module. Alternately, oradditionally, the vehicle device associated with operating the windowsmay comprise at least one window motor, and/or at least one windowposition sensor.

In some embodiments, the window operation transmitter may comprise aremote handheld transmitter to be carried by a user when away from thevehicle. In other embodiments, the window operation transmitter maycomprise a central station transmitter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to providing compatibility withdifferent vehicle types. Accordingly, in some embodiments, thecontroller may comprise a multi-vehicle compatible controller. Themulti-vehicle compatible controller may be provided by equipping thecontroller with a desired signal enabling function. This function orfeature is for enabling operation using a desired set of signals for acorresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals fordifferent vehicles to thereby provide compatibility with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles.

The controller may also perform a vehicle security function, a remoteengine starting function, or a vehicle door lock function, for example.

In some embodiments, the vehicle window control system may comprise avehicle device associated with operating the vehicle window, and aremote function transmitter to be carried by a user. A controller may beprovided for generating a vehicle function signal on the datacommunications bus responsive to the remote function signal from theremote function transmitter for performing a vehicle function. Thesystem may further include a window piggyback controller at the vehicleand connected to the data communications bus for operating the vehicledevice associated with operating the vehicle window based upon thevehicle function signals generated on the data communications bus by thecontroller.

A method aspect of the invention is for operating at least one window ofa vehicle comprising a data communications bus and at least one vehicledevice associated with operating the at least one window. The methodpreferably comprises providing a window operation transmitter, andconnecting a controller to the data communications bus for communicatingwith the at least one vehicle device associated with operating the atleast one window. The method may also include using the controller tooperate the at least one window responsive to signals from the windowoperation transmitter, and based upon communication over the datacommunications bus with the at least one vehicle device associated withoperating the at least one window.

Another method aspect of the present invention is for piggybacking awindow control function to a vehicle window control system in a vehicleof a type comprising a data communications bus. The window controlsystem may comprise a vehicle device associated with operating a vehiclewindow, a remote function transmitter to be carried by a user, and acontroller connected to the receiver for generating a vehicle functionsignal on the data communications bus responsive to the remote functionsignal from the remote function transmitter for performing a vehiclefunction. The method may include connecting a window piggybackcontroller to the data communications bus, and using the windowpiggyback controller to operate the vehicle device associated withoperating the vehicle window based upon the vehicle function signalsgenerated on the data communications bus by the controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicleremote start control system connected to a data communications bus andother hardwired devices in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of command signalsgenerated on the data communications bus in the remote start controlsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of a code readfrom the data communications bus in accordance with a first embodimentof the remote start control system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of a code readfrom the data communications bus in accordance with a second embodimentof the remote start control system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic block diagram of a second embodiment ofa vehicle remote start control system connected to a data communicationsbus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a fifth embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehiclewindow control system in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of thevehicle window control system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of thevehicle window control system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of thevehicle window control system of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime and multiple primenotations are used in alternate embodiments to indicate similarelements.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a vehicle remotestart control system 20 for use in a vehicle 21 of a type including adata communication bus 30 is now described. This description isbeneficial in explaining the concepts that are also applicable tovehicle remote window control over a data bus as described furtherbelow.

The system 20 includes at least one vehicle device associated withstarting the engine 38 of the vehicle 21, a remote start transmitter 34,a receiver 32 at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote starttransmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller 25. The vehicleremote start controller 25 is illustratively connected to the datacommunications bus 30 for communicating with the at least one vehicledevice. The controller 25 is also connected to the receiver 32 and isresponsive to signals from the remote start transmitter 34 to causestarting of the vehicle.

Remote starting may be defined as initially starting the vehicle engine38 and allowing it to idle while unattended by the vehicle owner as willbe readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also beappreciated by those skilled in the art, whether the remote startcontroller 25 will allow the engine 38 to be started and continue toidle may be based upon any of a number of conditions at the vehicle,some representative examples of which are described in greater detailbelow.

The at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine 38of the vehicle 21 may comprise at least one controller, such as theengine management controller 45 a or the transmission controller 45 c,for example. The remote start controller 25 may also communicate withone or more other controllers 45 b. Alternately, or additionally, the atleast one vehicle device associated with starting the engine 38 of thevehicle 21 may comprise at least one vehicle sensor 44 a–44 d. Forexample, the vehicle sensor may be one or more of a brake sensor 44 b, atransmission sensor 44 c, a hood sensor 44 a, and an engine speed sensor44 d. Other similar sensors are also contemplated by the presentinvention.

The remote start controller 25 includes a central processing unit (CPU)36 which may perform the necessary signal processing and logic functionsto control starting and subsequent running or shut-down of the engine 38as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. For example, theengine 38 may be prevented from starting or shut down if the gear shiftlever is in or moved to, a position other than Park. Similarly, theengine 38 may be shutdown if the engine RPM exceeds a predeterminedvalue. In addition, the engine starter 29 may only need to be operateduntil the engine RPM indicates that the engine is running. The engine 38may be prevented from running or shut down if the vehicle hood is open.Many other vehicle conditions may also be taken into account by theremote start controller 25 as will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art. Further details regarding logical operation of the remote startcontroller 25 based upon exemplary vehicle device conditions may befound in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,578 to Drew, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Of course, the vehicle 21 would typically include an engine startercircuit 26 as illustrated in the lower right-hand portion of FIG. 1. Thestarter circuit 28 may include an ignition switch 28, a starter relay 27connected to the ignition switch and the vehicle battery 24 forsupplying electrical power to the engine starter 29 as will be readilyappreciated by those of skill in the art.

The vehicle 21 may also include the illustrated security immobilizercircuit connected to the engine starter circuit 26. The securityimmobilizer circuit illustratively includes a passive transponder 47carried adjacent the ignition key 48, and reader 46 for powering andreading the coded signal from the transponder as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. Such an immobilizer circuit may be of aconventional type and needs no further description herein. The remotestart controller 25 includes a hardwired interface 42 connected to theimmobilizer to bypass this circuit when remote starting is desired.Thus, the engine starter circuit 26 may be enabled in response topresentation of the properly coded passive transponder 47 in proximityto the reader 46.

Of course, in other embodiments, other types of immobilizer circuits canbe used. The engine ignition could be disabled by the engine managementcontroller 45 a unless a predetermined code from a transponder readerwas generated on the data bus 30, for example. In such a system, a codecould be generated on the data communications bus by the bus interface41 of the remote start controller 25 to effectively bypass such atransponder immobilizer operating over the data communications bus 30 aswould be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The businterface 41 includes circuitry for interfacing to the proper signallevels and formats on the data communications bus 30 as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art without further discussionherein.

In another example, the coded resistor key approach described in theDrew patent may also be selectively bypassed by the remote startcontroller 25 to enable remote starting as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. Other immobilizer circuits and devices may also bereadily bypassed to enable starting.

The remote start transmitter 34 may be a small portable unit including ahousing, function control switches carried by the housing, a batterywithin the housing, and the associated transmitter circuitry also withinthe housing. This type of remote handheld transmitter is commonly usedin conventional vehicle remote start systems. The communications fromthe remote start transmitter 34 to the receiver 32 at the vehicle istypically a direct radio frequency link. In other words, however, thereis no intervening communications links. However, in other embodiments,the remote start transmitter 34 may indirectly communicate with thereceiver 32 via other communications infrastructure, such as viasatellite, or cellular communications, via the public switched telephonenetwork (PSTN) and/or over the world wide web or Internet, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The remote start transmitter 34 may also include one or more centralstation transmitters, such as may be provided by a satellite transmitteror cellular telephone transmitter, for example. Such a central stationtransmitter may also be connected to other communicationsinfrastructures.

In some embodiments, the system 20 may optionally include a remotereceiver (not shown) in the form of a small handheld device to becarried by the user or at least one central station receiver cooperatingwith a transmitter (not shown) at the vehicle, such as to provide statusinformation to the user relating to the remote starting.

In the illustrated system 20, various sensors 44 a–44 d are shownconnected to the data communications bus 30 and which are communicatedto and from via the bus interface 41. In other embodiments, however, oneor more of these sensors may be directly connected to the hardwireinterface 42. This also applies to the various controllers 45 a–45 c,which may also have hardwire interfaces themselves for certain signalsor functions, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in theart.

The remote start controller 25 also includes one or more memories 40 a,40 b connected the CPU 36. Although the memories 40 a, 40 b areillustrated as separate devices, those of skill in the art willrecognize that the memories may be combined in a single device orembedded on the same integrated circuit as the processing circuitry ofthe CPU.

Another aspect of the invention relates to providing compatibility withdifferent vehicle types. As will now be described, the remote startcontroller 25 may include features such that it can be considered amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller. The remote startcontroller 25 incorporating these optional features may generate atleast one set of command signals on the data communications bus 30 forat least one vehicle device. The at least one set of command signals maycomprise at least one working command signal and at least onenon-working command signal for a given vehicle to thereby providecommand compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

In addition, for reading communications from the vehicle devices, theremote start controller 25 may store a set of device codes for a givenvehicle device from a plurality of different vehicles, read a devicecode from the data communications bus 30, and determine a match betweena read device code and the stored device codes to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

The vehicle 21 includes a number of electrical/electronic devices 44a–44 d and 45 a–45 c that can be controlled and/or the status thereofread via the data communications bus 30. The remote start controller 25may provide its multi-vehicle compatibility in one or both directions ofcommunications via the data communications bus 30. Referring nowadditionally to FIG. 2, the drive or generation of signals on the databus portion of communication is now further described. The remote startcontroller 25 illustratively includes a command signal memory 40 a, andthe bus interface 41 which can provide both directions ofcommunications.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the remote startcontroller 25 preferably generates at least one set of command signalson the data communications bus 30 for the at least one vehicle device.The at least one set of command signals preferably comprises at leastone working command signal and at least one non-working command signalfor a given vehicle to thereby provide compatibility with the pluralityof different vehicles. In other words, multiple signals or codes can begenerated on the data communications bus 30, and only that code for thegiven vehicle and device will cause an operation or response from thevehicle device. This provides for a relatively simple andstraightforward approach to interface or cooperation with a vehiclehaving a data communications bus 30, and wherein the remote startcontroller 25 is advantageously compatible with a number of differentvehicles. Since it typically may be desired to interface to a pluralityof vehicle devices, the remote start controller 25 may generate arespective set of command signals for each of the vehicle devices.

Such multi-vehicle compatibility provided by the remote start controller25 is especially advantageous in after-market remote start systems. Theability to interface through the data communications bus 30 alsosignificantly reduces the wiring complexity needed to interface to theassociated vehicle devices.

The remote start controller 25 may sequentially generate the differentcommand signals (working and non-working) for an intended vehicledevice. To ensure effective communications even in the presence ofnoise, for example, the remote start controller 25 may generate the setof command signals a plurality of times, such as, for example, two tofive times. The need to effectively communicate should be balancedagainst possible traffic congestion on the data bus 30 as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now more specifically to the diagram of FIG. 2, the operationof the remote start controller 25 is further described. The controller25 may operate by arranging in the command signal memory 40 a a commontable 50 as shown. The CPU 36 upon determining that an action needs tobe performed, such as activating the starter relay 27, for example,would identify the appropriate column from the table 50 from among thecolumns labeled “vehicle device A” to “vehicle device Z”. For example,the appropriate column may be “vehicle device B”, in which case the CPUwould then read the memory locations in this column to generate on thebus 30 the appropriate set of codes to operate the starter relay foreach of the N vehicles with which the remote start controller 25 iscompatible. Of course, only one of the codes would be a working code,and the other codes would cause no vehicle function to be performed. Forexample, if vehicle 2 was the vehicle in which the remote startcontroller 25 were installed, only the code 2B would cause the starterrelay to operate.

The actual coded signals would be compatible with the particular datacommunications bus 30 as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart. The codes may be binary codes, which, for convenience, can berepresented more simply by corresponding hexadecimal codes as would alsobe appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, for an unlockall vehicle doors to be commanded in a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, thecode may be 03868004, for a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the code may be0422A00400. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,such codes can be obtained from the manufacturers directly, or may beread from the data communications bus 30 using any one of a number ofcommercially available diagnostic tools for reading the datacommunications bus, for example.

The set of command signals may be repeated as mentioned above, and asschematically illustrated at the lower portion of the table 50. Ofcourse, the memory 40 a may store the actual codes, but may also storedata enabling generation of the set of command signals by the CPU 36.This may be particularly so where certain portions of the code, e.g.,preamble, or some other portion, are common across either multiplevehicles, and/or over multiple vehicle devices.

The number of vehicles and number of devices to be controlled using themulti-vehicle compatibility of the remote start controller 25 can bothbe relatively large to cover a substantial portion of the vehiclemarketplace. Alternately, the multiple command signal concept may alsobe advantageously used to provide compatibility for as few as twovehicles, and even a single vehicle device.

Turning now additionally to FIGS. 3 and 4, the other direction ofcommunication is described. In particular, the reverse direction orreading of signals from the data communications bus 30 is now described.Many of the components are the same as those described above, and,hence, need no further description. In the illustrated embodiment, theCPU 36 is connected to a code look-up memory 40 b.

The compatibility to read a code and determine the message or contentthereof for a vehicle device from among a plurality of vehicles can beused alone or in combination with the compatibility for writing orgenerating signals on the bus described above. More particularly, theremote start controller 25 is for storing a set of device codes for agiven vehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, for readinga device code from the data communications bus 30, and for determining amatch between a read device code and the stored device codes to therebyprovide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles. Such anarrangement provides for a relatively simple and straightforwardapproach to interface with a vehicle having a data communications bus30.

The remote start controller 25 may comprise the code look-up memory 40 bfor the stored device codes, and the processor or CPU 36 cooperatingwith the memory for determining the match between the read device codeand the stored device codes. The at least one vehicle device may includea plurality of vehicle devices, and, accordingly, the memory 40 b of themulti-vehicle compatible controller 25 preferably stores a respectiveset of device codes for each of the plurality of vehicle devices.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, the look-up table feature ofthe remote start controller 25 is now described. A common table 60 maybe created which contains a column for the vehicle codes in somepredefined sequence, such as in a numerical order beginning with a firstcode, Code 1, and ending with a last code, Code N, as illustrated. Thecentral column in the illustrated embodiment includes the correspondingvehicle identification with the vehicles extending from a first vehicle,Vehicle A, to a last vehicle, Vehicle Z. The number of codes andvehicles may be selected so that a given remote start controller 25 isuseable across an economically large number of vehicles as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The last or rightmost column in the illustrated table 60 is the devicedata or message corresponding to the associated vehicle and code. Thesedevice messages extend from a first message, DM_(1A), to a last devicemessage, DM_(NZ). The messages may be of many different types, such asdriver door open or closed, hood open or closed, shock sensor triggered,brake pressure indicated, gearshift selector in Park, etc. as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

By way of example, the common table 60 includes a blocked rowschematically illustrating a match for a Code 572. This code is for aFord Taurus and indicates that the driver's door is open. This type ofdata may be useful for remote starting. The CPU 36 would read the codeon the data bus 30 and compare the code against the stored codes todetermine a match. The CPU 36 is likely to buffer some or all of a codewhen received to subsequently be compared using the table 60 as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, individualbits or blocks thereof may be compared as they are received.

An alternate embodiment of the common table 60 is now explained withreference to FIG. 4. In this case, the overall or common table 60′, maybe considered parsed or divided into a plurality of vehicle tablesections. The first table-section is for vehicle A, and the last forvehicle Z in the illustrated embodiment. This embodiment alsoillustrates the driver door for the Ford Taurus as being matched fromthe read signal from the data communications bus 30. What is of interestin this embodiment is that upon initial set-up or an initial learningperiod, only the codes for the learned vehicle need then later becompared to the read code. Accordingly, a time savings may be realized.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the tables 60 and 60′ ofFIGS. 3 and 4 are exemplary illustrations from among many possibleconfigurations of look-up tables that may be used in accordance with thepresent invention. Other configurations are also contemplated by thepresent invention.

Since it may also be desirable to re-install remote start controller 25in another vehicle, the controller may be reset and another vehiclelearned or configured during an initial set-up. This concept isgenerally described as an embodiment of a desired signal enablingfunction or feature in related parent U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,147, which inturn, is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,460, which in turn, is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,551, the disclosures of eachof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

This desired signal enabling function is further described below withreference to FIGS. 5–10. The multi-vehicle compatibility may be providedby equipping a remote start controller 55 with a desired signal enablingfunction 57. This function or feature is for enabling operation using adesired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from aplurality of sets of signals for different vehicles to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

The remote start system 20 does not show or necessarily include thehardwire interface described above. Rather, in this embodiment, theremote start function is implemented by the remote start controller 55via communication with the engine management controller 45 a, which, inturn, is directly connected to the starter relay 27.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 6 a first embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 57 is described. The signal enabling means 57 isfor enabling the remote start controller 55 to operate using a desiredset of signals for a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possiblesets of signals for different vehicles. As would be readily understoodby those skilled in the art, the term different vehicles may includevehicles from different manufacturers, different models, or evendifferent trim levels of the same make and model. Accordingly, thedesired signal enabling means 57 permits the remote start controller 55,that is, the CPU 36 and bus interface 41, to communicate with thevehicle sensor 44, engine management controller 45 a or another vehicledevice via the data communications bus 30 so that the CPU is capable ofstarting the vehicle engine 38 responsive to the receiver 32 receiving aremote start signal from the remote transmitter 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the desired signal enablingmeans 57 may preferably include a memory 70 for storing a plurality ofsets of signals 72 a, 72 b and 72 n for different vehicles, andselecting means for selecting the desired set of signals from theplurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles. Storingsets of signals may be defined as storing information or data necessaryto generate the desired signals on the data communications bus 30 aswould be readily understood by those skilled in the art. The memory 70may include device address memory means for storing a plurality ofdifferent sets of signals representative of different device addressesfor different vehicles. Alternately, or additionally, the memory meansmay comprise protocol memory means for storing a plurality of differentprotocols for different vehicles.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the selecting means maycomprise user selecting means 75 for permitting a user to select thedesired set of signals. A keypad or other input means may be used topermit the user to select the desired signal set for his vehicle. Avalet switch or other control switch, such as on the remote startcontroller, for example, may also be operated by the user to select thedesired signal set. The user may select the desired set of signals byentering a unique digital code similar to the selection of signals for ahome electronics universal remote control. Other techniques forpermitting the user to select the desired signal set from a plurality ofstored sets are also contemplated by the invention as would be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 57′ is described in accordance with the remotestart controller 55′ of the present invention. In this embodiment, theselecting means may comprise bus determining means 77 for determiningthe desired set of signals based upon signals on the data communicationsbus 30. For example, the bus determining means 77 could determine thedesired set of signals based upon sensed voltage levels or based uponthe timing of signal pulses on the data communications bus 30. The othercomponents of this embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 57′are similar to those described above with reference to FIG. 6 and needno further description.

Yet another embodiment of the security system 55″ according to theinvention is explained with reference to FIG. 8. In this illustratedembodiment, the desired signal enabling means 57″ includes a desiredsignal set memory 81 operatively connected to the illustrated buslearning means 80. The bus learning means 80 may determine and store inthe signal set memory 81 the protocol and/or device addresses for thevehicle devices. For example, the bus learning means 80 may permit theuser to operate various vehicle devices and store a desired signal setbased thereon as would be readily understood by those skilled in theart. The other components of the desired signal enabling means 57″ aresimilar to those described above with reference to FIG. 6 and need nofurther description.

Still another embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 57′″ isexplained with reference to FIG. 9. The desired signal enabling means57′″ includes a signal set memory 81 operatively connected to theschematically illustrated download learning means 84. The downloadlearning means 84 may include an interface connected to the illustratedvehicle cellular telephone 86 to permit learning or downloading of thedesired signal set from a remote or central monitoring and controlstation 88, for example. The desired signal set may also alternately belearned from the central station 88 through the satellite link providedby the satellite 110 and vehicle mounted satellite receiver 111 andassociated antennas. As would be readily understood by those skilled inthe art, the download learning means, as well as the other desiredsignal enabling means, may be implemented by software in the CPU of theremote start controller 55″′ or in a separate microprocessor orcircuits.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 10, yet another variation ofprogramming, learning or downloading of the download learning means 84is explained. In this variation the download learning means 84 istemporarily connected to a computer, such as the illustrated portablelaptop computer 115. The connection may be via a wire cable or wirelesscommunications link as will be readily understood by those skilled inthe art. Of course, the desired signal enabling means 57″″ in thisembodiment may be programmed in the vehicle or prior to installation inthe vehicle.

Returning now again to FIG. 1, the command signal concept for drivingthe communications bus 30 with a plurality of signal codes to providethe multi-vehicle compatibility is again revisited. In anotherembodiment, the remote start controller 25 could be segmented or dividedinto two sections or portions. More particularly, the multi-vehiclecompatibility may be provided by a multi-vehicle compatible adaptor,which would include the CPU 36, the command signal memory 40 a, andoptionally the bus interface 41. The adaptor may also include its ownhousing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, onescenario where such an adaptor approach may be especially useful is toadapt a conventional remote start controller to operate via the datacommunications bus 30. Since automobile manufacturers are slowly phasingin the data bus technology, suppliers may provide their conventionalremote start systems for conventional vehicles, and add such an adaptorwith the conventional controller when the vehicle requires interface tothe data communications bus 30.

Similar concepts can also be extended to a multi-vehicle compatibleadaptor for the other direction of communication, i.e., from the datacommunications bus 30 to one or more vehicle devices. Such an adaptorwould include the code look-up memory 40 b as described above. Moreover,the operation of such a multi-vehicle compatible adaptor will be readilyunderstood by those of skill in the art based upon the above provideddescriptions relating to FIGS. 1–3 without requiring further discussionherein. Of course, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,such adaptors may be used independently, together, or may be combinedinto a single unit.

A method aspect of the invention is for remotely starting a vehicleengine 38 in a vehicle 21 comprising a data communications bus 30 and atleast one vehicle device 44 a–44 d and 45 a–45 c associated withstarting the vehicle engine. The method preferably comprises receivingsignals at the vehicle from a remote start transmitter 34, connecting avehicle remote start controller 25 to the data communications bus 30 forcommunicating with the at least one vehicle device, and using thevehicle remote start controller to start the vehicle engine 38 basedupon signals received from the remote start transmitter and based uponcommunication over the data communications bus with the at least onevehicle device.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 11, a first embodiment of a vehiclewindow control system 120 for use in a vehicle 21 of a type including adata communications bus 30 is now described. Related U.S. Pat. No.5,719,551, which is incorporated herein by reference, disclosed remotewindow control over the data communications bus 30. The system 120illustratively includes at least one vehicle device associated withoperating a window of the vehicle 21, a window operation transmitter134, a receiver 132 at the vehicle for receiving signals from the windowoperation transmitter, and a controller 125 connected to the datacommunications bus 30 for communicating with the at least one vehicledevice associated with operating the at least one window of the vehicle.The controller 125 is also illustratively connected to the receiver 132and is responsive to signals from the window operation transmitter 134.

More particularly, the at least one vehicle device may illustratively bea body module 130 connected to the data communications bus 30.Alternately, or additionally, the vehicle device may illustratively be awindow motor 140, or a window position sensor 141, each of which isillustratively connected to the data communications bus 30 via the bodymodule 130. The position sensor 141 may be incorporated with the windowmotor 140 in some embodiments. Of course, other vehicle devices 142 mayalso be connected to the data communications bus 30 via the body module130, as understood by those skilled in the art.

The window position sensor 141 may sense the window position so that thevehicle windows could be set to have a small gap at the top for warmclimates, for example. Other similar uses for the window position sensor141 are also contemplated by the present invention. Accordingly, thewindow controller 125 may advantageously generate a signal on the datacommunications bus 30 to operate the vehicle devices to set the positionof the vehicle windows at various levels. For example, window controller125 may generate a first signal to set the position of the vehiclewindow to be halfway down, and a second signal to set the position ofthe vehicle window to be all the way down. It shall be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art that the window controller 125may generate signals to operate any of the vehicle windows, or all ofthe vehicle windows. It shall also be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art that the window controller 125 may generate signalsto operate a rear window in vehicles that are so equipped.

In some embodiments, the window operation transmitter 134 may be ahandheld transmitter to be carried by the user. More particularly, thewindow operation transmitter 134 may be similar to the remote starttransmitter 34 in that it may be a small, portable unit, including ahousing, function control switches carried by the housing, a batterywithin the housing, and associated transmitter circuitry. Accordingly,the window operation transmitter 134 is similar in configuration andoperation to the remote start transmitter 34, described above, andrequires no further discussion herein.

In other embodiments, the window operation transmitter 134 may alsoinclude one or more central station transmitters, such as may beprovided by a satellite transmitter or cellular telephone transmitter,for example. Such a central station transmitter may also be connected toother communications infrastructure as also described above.

In some embodiments, the system 120 may optionally include a remotereceiver (not shown) in the form of a small handheld device to becarried by the user cooperating with a transmitter (not shown) at thevehicle, such as to provide status information to the user relating tothe operation of the vehicle window.

Another aspect of the invention relates to providing compatibility withdifferent vehicle types. As will now be described, the controller 125may include features such that it can be considered a multi-vehiclecompatible controller. The controller 125 incorporating these optionalfeatures may generate at least one set of command signals on the datacommunications bus 30 for at least one vehicle device. The at least oneset of command signals may comprise at least one working command signaland at least one non-working command signal for a given vehicle tothereby provide command compatibility with a plurality of differentvehicles.

In addition, for reading communications from the vehicle devices, thecontroller 125 may store a set of device codes for a given vehicledevice for a plurality of different vehicles, read a device code fromthe data communications bus 30, and determine a match between a readdevice code and the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibilitywith a plurality of different vehicles.

The desired signal enabling function, described above with respect to aremote start controller 25, is also applicable to the controller 125 ofthe vehicle window control system 120, as will be readily understood bythose skilled in the art. Accordingly, the desired signal enablingfunction of the controller 125 requires no further discussion herein.

The controller 125 may also perform other vehicle security functions.More specifically, the controller 125 may perform at least one remoteengine starting function, at least one vehicle door lock function, orany other vehicle security function as will be understood by thoseskilled in the art.

A second embodiment of the vehicle window control system 120′ isillustrated in FIG. 12. In the second embodiment of the vehicle windowcontrol system 120′, the controller 125′ is a security or remote keylessentry (RKE) controller. The controller 125′ is connected to the datacommunications bus 30′ for communicating with the at least one vehicledevice associated with operation of the vehicle window. The otherelements of the second embodiment of the vehicle window control system120′ are similar to those of the first embodiment, are identified usingprime notation, and require no further discussion herein.

A third embodiment of the vehicle window control system 120″ isillustrated in FIG. 13. In the third embodiment of the vehicle windowcontrol system 120″, the controller 125″ is a security or RKEcontroller. The controller 125″ is illustratively connected to thevehicle data communications bus 30″ via the body module 130″. Further,the vehicle devices, such as the window motor 140″, window positionsensor 141″, or any other vehicle devices 142″, are directly connectedto the data communications bus 30″. The other elements of the thirdembodiment of the vehicle window control system 120″ are similar tothose of the first and second embodiments, are identified using doubleprime notation, and require no further discussion herein.

A fourth embodiment of the vehicle window control system 120′″ isillustrated in FIG. 14. The fourth embodiment of the vehicle windowcontrol system 120′″ illustratively includes at least one vehicle deviceassociated with operating a vehicle window, a remote functiontransmitter 134′″, and a receiver 132′″ at the vehicle for receiving aremote function signal from the remote function transmitter. The windowcontroller 125′″ is illustratively connected to the receiver 132′″ forgenerating a vehicle function signal on the data communications bus 30′″responsive to the remote function signal from the remote functiontransmitter 134′″ for performing a vehicle function. For example, thevehicle function may be a remote door lock/unlock function, a remotevehicle starting function, an alarm activation function, or any othervehicle function, as shall be understood by those skilled in the art.For example, a sequence of lock and/or unlock commands within apredetermined time window may be used to also control the vehiclewindows. In some vehicles, these lock and/or unlock signals may beuseful to “wake-up” the devices on the data communications bus 30′″ aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The vehicle device may illustratively be a window motor 140′″, a windowposition sensor 141′″, or door locks 143′″, for example, each of whichis illustratively connected to the data communications bus 30′″. Ofcourse, other vehicle devices 142′″ may also be connected to the datacommunications bus 30′″, as understood by those skilled in the art. Insome embodiments, the vehicle devices may be connected to the datacommunications bus 30′″ via a body module (not shown).

A window piggyback controller 150′″ is illustratively connected to thedata communications bus 30′″ at the vehicle 21′″. The window piggybackcontroller 150′″ operates the at least one vehicle device associatedwith operating the vehicle window based upon the vehicle functionsignals generated on the data communications bus 30′″ by the windowcontroller 125′″. The window controller 125′″ may also generate a signalon the data communications bus 30′″ responsive to manual door locks151′″ of the vehicle. Accordingly, the window piggyback controller 150′″may also operate the at least one vehicle device based on signalgenerated by the controller 125′″ on the data communications bus 30′″responsive to the manual door locks 151′″ of the vehicle. Other detailsand aspects of piggyback controllers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,297,731 to Flick, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The remote function transmitter 134′″ is similar to the window operationtransmitter 134, described above, and requires no further discussionherein. In some embodiments, the window piggyback controller 150′″ maycomprise a multi-vehicle compatible window piggyback controller. Themulti-vehicle compatible window piggyback controller 150′″ is similar tothe multi-vehicle compatible controller 125, described above, andrequires no further discussion herein. Similarly, the other elements ofthe fourth embodiment of the vehicle window control system 120′″ aresimilar to those of the first, second, and third embodiments, areidentified using triple prime notation, and require no furtherdiscussion herein.

A method aspect of the invention is for operating at least one window ofa vehicle 21 comprising a data communications bus 30 and at least onevehicle device associated with operating the at least one window. Themethod preferably comprises receiving signals at the vehicle 21 from awindow operation transmitter 134, connecting a controller 125 to thedata communications bus 30 for communicating with the at least onevehicle device associated with operating the at least one window, andusing the controller to operate the at least one window responsive tosignals received at the vehicle from the window operation transmitterand based upon communication over the data communications bus with theat least one vehicle device associated with operating the at least onewindow.

Another method aspect of the present invention is for piggybacking awindow control function to a vehicle window control system 120′″ in avehicle 21′″ of a type comprising a data communications bus 30′″. Thewindow control system 120′″ comprises at least one vehicle deviceassociated with operating a vehicle window, a remote functiontransmitter 134′″ to be carried by a user, a receiver 132′″ at thevehicle 21′″ for receiving a remote function signal from the remotefunction transmitter, and a controller 125′″ connected to the receiverfor generating a vehicle function signal on the data communications bus30′″ responsive to the remote function signal from the remote functiontransmitter for performing a vehicle function. The method includesconnecting a window piggyback controller 150′″ to the datacommunications bus 30′″, and using the window piggyback controller tooperate the at least one vehicle device associated with operating thevehicle window based upon the vehicle function signals generated on thedata communications bus by the controller 125′″.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe embodiments disclosed, and that other modifications and embodimentsare intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A vehicle window control system for a vehicle comprising a datacommunications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and a plurality ofvehicle devices communicating with one another over the datacommunications bus and including at least one vehicle device associatedwith operating a window of the vehicle, the vehicle window controlsystem comprising; a window operation transmitter; and a multi-vehiclecompatible controller connected to the data communications bus extendingthroughout the vehicle for communicating with the at least one vehicledevice associated with operating the window of the vehicle, saidmulti-vehicle compatible controller also being responsive to signalsfrom said window operation transmitter.
 2. A vehicle window controlsystem according to claim 1 wherein the at least one vehicle deviceassociated with operating a window of the vehicle comprises at least oneof a body module, a window motor, and a window position sensor.
 3. Avehicle window control system according to claim 1 wherein said windowoperation transmitter comprises at least one of a remote handheldtransmitter to be carried by a user when away from the vehicle, and acentral station transmitter.
 4. A vehicle window control systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible controllercomprises a desired signal enabler for enabling operation using adesired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from aplurality of sets of signals for different vehicles to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.
 5. A vehiclewindow control system according to claim 1 wherein said multi-vehiclecompatible controller also performs at least one of a vehicle securityfunction, a remote engine starting function, and a vehicle door lockfunction.
 6. A vehicle window control system for a vehicle comprising adata communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and aplurality of vehicle devices communicating with one another over thedata communications bus and including at least one vehicle deviceassociated with operating a vehicle window, the vehicle window controlsystem comprising: a remote function transmitter; a controller forgenerating a vehicle function signal on said data communications busextending throughout the vehicle responsive to the remote functionsignal from said remote function transmitter for performing a vehiclefunction; and a window piggyback controller at the vehicle and connectedto the data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle foroperating the at least one vehicle device associated with operating thevehicle window based upon the vehicle function signals generated on thedata communications bus extending throughout the vehicle by thecontroller.
 7. A vehicle window control system according to claim 6wherein the remote function signal comprises at least one of a door lockand a door unlock signal.
 8. A vehicle window control system accordingto claim 6 wherein the at least one vehicle device associated withoperating a window of the vehicle comprises at least one window motor.9. A vehicle window control system according to claim 6 wherein saidremote function transmitter comprises at least one of a remote handheldtransmitter to be carried by a user when away from the vehicle, and acentral station transmitter.
 10. A vehicle window control systemaccording to claim 6 wherein said window piggyback controller comprisesa multi-vehicle compatible window piggyback controller.
 11. A vehiclewindow control system according to claim 10 wherein said multi-vehiclecompatible window piggyback controller comprises a desired signalenabler for enabling operation using a desired set of signals for acorresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets of signals fordifferent vehicles to thereby provide compatibility with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles.
 12. A method for operating at least one window of avehicle comprising a data communications bus extending throughout thevehicle, and a plurality of vehicle devices communicating with oneanother over the data communications bus including at least one vehicledevice associated with operating the at least one window, the methodcomprising: providing a window operation transmitter; connecting amulti-vehicle compatible controller to the data communications busextending throughout the vehicle for communicating with the at least onevehicle device associated with operating the at least one window; andusing the multi-vehicle compatible controller to operate the at leastone window responsive to signals from the window operation transmitterand based upon communication over the data communications bus extendingthroughout the vehicle with the at least one vehicle device associatedwith operating the at least one window.
 13. A method according to claim12 wherein the at least one vehicle device comprises at least one of abody module, a window motor, and a window position sensor.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 12 wherein the window operation transmitter comprisesat least one of a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by a userwhen away from the vehicle, and a central station transmitter.
 15. Amethod according to claim 12 wherein the multi-vehicle compatiblecontroller comprises a desired signal enabler for enabling operationusing a desired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle froma plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.
 16. A methodaccording to claim 12 further comprising using the multi-vehiclecompatible controller to perform at least one of a vehicle securityfunction, a remote engine starting function, and a vehicle door lockfunction.
 17. A method for piggybacking a window control function to avehicle window control system in a vehicle of a type comprising a datacommunications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and a plurality ofvehicle devices communicating with one another over the datacommunications bus including at least one vehicle device associated withoperating a vehicle window, a remote function transmitter to be carriedby a user, and a controller for generating a vehicle function signal onthe data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle responsiveto the remote function signal from the remote function transmitter forperforming a vehicle function, the method comprising: connecting awindow piggyback controller to the data communications bus extendingthroughout the vehicle; and using the window piggyback controller tooperate the at least one vehicle device associated with operating thevehicle window based upon the vehicle function signals generated on thedata communications bus extending throughout the vehicle by thecontroller.
 18. A method according to claim 17 wherein the remotefunction signal comprises at least one of a door lock and a door unlocksignal.
 19. A method according to claim 17 wherein the at least onevehicle device comprises at least one window motor.
 20. A methodaccording to claim 17 wherein the remote function transmitter comprisesat least one of a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by a userwhen away from the vehicle.
 21. A method according to claim 17 whereinthe window piggyback controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatiblewindow piggyback controller.
 22. A method according to claim 21 whereinthe multi-vehicle compatible window piggyback controller comprises adesired signal enabler for enabling operation using a desired set ofsignals for a corresponding desired vehicle from a plurality of sets ofsignals for different vehicles to thereby provide compatibility with aplurality of different vehicles.